This is part of a three-part series, view; Part I, Part II, Part III.
Yesterday when discussing creativity, we talked about the importance of showing up — of having the willpower to make time and space for our creative selves.
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I have always struggled with this.
I used to feel that creativity comes when it feels like it, and that I had no control over it. But if writing these daily for Mindfully Mailed messages has taught me one thing (in fact, it’s taught me many things!) it’s that even when it feels like I have nothing to say, if I sit and give myself a little bit of breathing room, new ideas will come.
But when it comes to showing up, there always seems to be something that gets in the way. I didn’t fully understand this until I read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, a book that’s all about the struggle to create.
In it, Pressfield shares tips through fun, informative anecdotes that are just the right combination of wisdom, inspiration, and a “healthy kick-in-the-butt”.
The take-away that stuck with me the most is the idea of “resistance”.
Now that I have a word for it, I see resistance everywhere.
As it happens, it is at the very moment that I decide to dive into my creative project that I remember the need to urgently answer a text, boil some water for tea, or start the laundry.
There is always something that inevitably comes up.
Are they real needs or are they subconscious resistance to doing the work?
When I am honest with myself, it's most often the latter.
It's amazing how clever and in how many unique shapes resistance can take.
The first step to getting past resistance is being aware that it exists and calling it out for what it is.
The second and harder step is fighting the urge, powering through, showing up, and doing the work.
Fight the resistance!
Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee
P.S. Our Creativity Guide offers up some practical tips for breaking through the resistance, as well as a 30-Day Challenge to kickstart a habit of showing up. Become a Holstee Member today →
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Creativity
This article is part of our series on the theme of Creativity.
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